The Entrepreneurship Workshop University of Vavuniya 2024 brought together nearly 175 participants on 23rd November 2024. The University Business Linkage Cell, University of Vavuniya, and the GATE Institute, UK jointly organised this landmark event. They held it at the university premises, Pampaimadu, Vavuniya, from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.

Who Was This Workshop For?

The Entrepreneurship Workshop University of Vavuniya 2024 served a wide range of participants:

  • Established entrepreneurs seeking to scale their ventures
  • Early-stage entrepreneurs developing their first business
  • Students with innovative business ideas
  • Aspiring entrepreneurs exploring new opportunities

The workshop empowered entrepreneurs, honoured business ideas, and fostered the creation of new products. It also accelerated growth across all participant groups.

Inauguration & Distinguished Guests

The event began with participant registration and the lighting of the traditional lamp. Sevithi Sai Murali, Consul General of India in Jaffna, attended as Chief Guest.

The following distinguished guests also graced the occasion:

  • Dr. M. Arumukam – Chairman of the Startup Committee & Foundation, Member of the TANSAM Centre of Excellence, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Mr. P. Parthipan – Vice President, Device Programs at Peloton Interactive, California, USA & Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Tamil Ventures LP
  • Mr. M. Thabenthiran – District Vidatha Officer, District Secretariat, Vavuniya and Mullaitivu

Key Sessions & Speakers

Ms. S. Mathivathany, Director of the Business Linkage Cell, delivered the welcome address. Dr. S. Senthan, CEO of the GATE Institute, UK, followed with an introductory speech.

The workshop featured these key sessions:

  • “GATE for Innovation, Venture & Entrepreneurship” – Mr. K. Jeyaraj
  • “Power of a Business Plan for an Entrepreneur” – Mr. P. Sasitharan, Programme Coordinator, University of Vavuniya
  • “Entrepreneurship and Innovation” – Dr. M. Arumukam
  • “Lessons from Global Perspectives” – Mr. Parthipan Paramsothy

Prof. Y. Nanthagopan, Dean of the Faculty of Business Studies, spoke on the role of innovation in economic growth. Prof. A. Atputharajah, Vice Chancellor, highlighted the importance of digital innovation for entrepreneurship development.

A standout result of this Entrepreneurship Workshop University of Vavuniya 2024 was the registration of entrepreneurs onto the GIVE (GATE for Innovation, Venture & Entrepreneurship) platform.

This platform offers participants:

  • Ongoing mentorship and expert guidance
  • Resources and tools for business scaling
  • A network connecting local entrepreneurs to global opportunities

Participants left this Entrepreneurship Workshop University of Vavuniya 2024 with practical skills and new connections.

They gained a deeper understanding of local and global entrepreneurial landscapes. Expert sessions helped them identify market opportunities, trends, and challenges. They also learned strategies to create innovative products and services.

The event connected entrepreneurs, students, and industry experts. These new relationships laid the groundwork for future collaborations and mentorship opportunities.

This Entrepreneurship Workshop University of Vavuniya 2024 empowered entrepreneurs, honoured innovative ideas, and accelerated entrepreneurial growth. The University Business Linkage Cell and the GATE Institute demonstrated a shared commitment to advancing entrepreneurship – locally and globally – for the economic growth of the region.